L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
16 >
"Another friend of Dorothy's," replied Tip.
"And who is Dorothy?"
"She was a girl that came here from Kansas, a place in the big,
outside World. She got blown to the Land of Oz by a cyclone, and while she
was here the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman accompanied her on her travels.
"
"And where is she now?" inquired the Pumpkinhead.
"Glinda the Good, who rules the Quadlings, sent her home again," said
the boy.
"Oh. And what became of the Scarecrow?"
"I told you. He rules the Emerald City," answered Tip.
"I thought you said it was ruled by a wonderful Wizard," objected
Jack, seeming more and more confused.
"Well, so I did. Now, pay attention, and I'll explain it," said Tip,
speaking slowly and looking the smiling Pumpkinhead squarely in the eye.
"Dorothy went to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard to send her back to
Kansas; and the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman went with her. But the
Wizard couldn't send her back, because he wasn't so much of a Wizard as he
might have been. And then they got angry at the Wizard, and threatened to
expose him; so the Wizard made a big balloon and escaped in it, and no one
has ever seen him since."
"Now, that is very interesting history," said Jack, well pleased;
"and I understand it perfectly all but the explanation."
"I'm glad you do," responded Tip. "After the Wizard was gone, the
people of the Emerald City made His Majesty, the Scarecrow, their King;
"and I have heard that he became a very popular ruler."
"Are we going to see this queer King?" asked Jack, with interest.
"I think we may as well," replied the boy; "unless you have something
better to do."
"Oh, no, dear father," said the Pumpkinhead. "I am quite willing to
go wherever you please."